Coaldale Campground

307 W Sackett Ave, Salida, Colorado, 81201, United States

Stretching along 152 miles of the legendary Arkansas River, the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area beckons adventurers to experience Colorado's most dynamic waterway. From heart-pounding whitewater rapids that challenge expert rafters to gentle stretches perfect for family float trips, this linear wonderland offers eight distinct campgrounds as basepoints for unforgettable outdoor experiences. Whether you're casting for trophy trout, spotting bighorn sheep on riverside cliffs, or simply soaking in the raw beauty of the Arkansas Valley, each campground serves as your gateway to adventure.

1.3 miles north of Alder Street, Crestone, Colorado

Escape to North Crestone Creek Campground, where 13 intimate campsites wind along nearly a mile of pristine mountain creek. This hidden gem operates on a first-come, first-served basis, rewarding early arrivals with their choice of secluded spots beneath a canopy of whispering aspens, aromatic junipers, and towering firs. Each site comes equipped with bear-resistant food lockers, ensuring both your safety and the preservation of local wildlife. The generous spacing between sites creates a true wilderness retreat where the babbling creek provides nature's soundtrack to your mountain adventure.

Chugach National Forest

Escape the crowds and discover the serene wilderness of Five Fingers Campsites, where adventure begins with every step of your journey. This exclusive hike-in campground rewards intrepid campers with three secluded sites nestled in nature's embrace. While amenities remain refreshingly minimal, the experience is anything but—here, you'll trade modern conveniences for starlit skies, peaceful mornings, and the satisfaction of reaching a destination few others venture to find. Perfect for those seeking authentic backcountry camping without the masses.

Co. Rd. 140, WESTCLIFFE, CO 81212, USA

Perched high at 9,000 feet in the majestic Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Alvarado Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic Colorado mountain experience. This versatile haven welcomes tent campers, RV enthusiasts, and equestrian explorers alike, with thoughtfully arranged sites spread across lower, upper, and middle sections. Whether you're lacing up hiking boots, saddling up for a backcountry ride, or revving up your ATV for trail adventures, this mountain sanctuary serves as your perfect basecamp for exploring endless alpine wonders.

46525 ST HWY 114, SAGUACHE, CO 81149, USA

Step back in time at Brewery Creek Guard Station, a lovingly preserved 1935 ranger cabin nestled deep within the Rio Grande National Forest. This enchanting mountain retreat welcomes up to nine guests into its rustic embrace, where modern comforts meet historic charm at 9,500 feet elevation. Surrounded by whispering aspens and powered by propane amenities, this year-round sanctuary offers an authentic taste of Colorado's high country heritage while serving as your basecamp for endless alpine adventures.

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Nestled in the shadow of majestic Mt. Shavano, Angel of Shavano Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts seeking an authentic Rocky Mountain escape. This beloved destination has earned its reputation among seasoned campers who return year after year for the perfect blend of pristine wilderness and thoughtfully maintained amenities. Here, where the mountain air carries the whisper of pine and the promise of adventure, you'll discover why this hidden gem consistently ranks among Colorado's most cherished camping experiences.

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Tucked away in a hidden mountain valley, Hayden Creek Campground offers an intimate escape with just 11 carefully placed sites along the babbling waters of Hayden Creek. This rustic retreat sits at the foot of the towering Sangre de Cristo Mountains, where towering pines and aspens create a natural cathedral of shade and serenity. Here, camping returns to its roots—you'll find essential amenities including sturdy fire rings for evening gatherings, weathered picnic tables perfect for morning coffee, and a single vault toilet. This is where adventurers come to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with the rhythms of the wilderness.

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Nestled in the heart of pristine wilderness, Lake Creek Campground offers an enchanting escape where crystal-clear waters meet towering forest canopies. This hidden gem provides the perfect basecamp for outdoor enthusiasts seeking authentic mountain experiences and tranquil waterside camping.

5575 CLEORA RD, SALIDA, CO 81201 USA

Tucked away in Colorado's high country, Angel of Shavano Group Campground rewards those who discover its secluded alpine paradise. This exclusive group camping destination serves as your basecamp for mountain adventures, where the legendary Colorado Trail beckons hikers and bikers, crystal-clear streams invite anglers to cast their lines, and the raw beauty of the Rockies surrounds you at every turn. Far from the crowds yet rich with outdoor possibilities, this hidden sanctuary offers groups an intimate connection with Colorado's untamed wilderness.

5575 CLEORA RD, SALIDA, CO 81201, USA

Nestled high in the Colorado wilderness at 9,200 feet, O'Haver Lake Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with 31 pristine campsites scattered beneath towering ponderosa pines and shimmering aspens. This mountain sanctuary draws anglers eager to cast their lines into the crystal-clear lake waters, while paddlers glide across its glassy surface and bird watchers delight in spotting mountain species. During peak summer months, these coveted first-come, first-served sites often claim their weekend visitors by Thursday noon, testament to this alpine retreat's enduring appeal.

Chugach National Forest

1.3 miles north of Alder Street, Crestone, Colorado

307 W Sackett Ave, Salida, Colorado, 81201, United States

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5575 CLEORA RD, SALIDA, CO 81201, USA

Co. Rd. 140, WESTCLIFFE, CO 81212, USA

46525 ST HWY 114, SAGUACHE, CO 81149, USA

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Tucked away in the pristine wilderness of Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests, Pines Campground offers an authentic high-country camping experience at 9,200 feet. This intimate campground features just 11 sites along the babbling South Fork of the Michigan River, where the sound of rushing water provides nature's soundtrack to your mountain retreat. While beetle kill has opened up the forest canopy, creating sun-drenched sites perfect for stargazing, visitors appreciate the campground's easy accessibility and rustic charm. As one camper noted, it's a 'great little campground' that delivers simplicity and natural beauty in equal measure.

Campgrounds - Taylor Park Area, Campfire Ranch on the Taylor

Escape to Campfire Ranch on the Taylor, where the art of tent camping reaches new heights in Colorado's breathtaking Gunnison Valley. This carefully curated, tent-only retreat invites you to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature's simple pleasures. Wake up to the aroma of fresh pancake breakfasts wafting through the pines, gather around crackling fires fueled by complimentary firewood, and let the sound of the Taylor River lull you to sleep under star-studded skies. With pristine drinking water at your fingertips and meticulously maintained sites nestled among towering trees, this isn't just camping—it's an elevated outdoor experience that honors the timeless tradition of sleeping under canvas.

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Perched in the heart of the Trappers Lake Recreation Area, Trapline Campground offers 11 thoughtfully arranged sites along a single loop, where the landscape opens up to endless Colorado skies. Unlike the dense forest campgrounds below, Trapline embraces its high-altitude setting with sun-drenched sites that bask in natural light from dawn to dusk. Here, the commanding presence of the Flat Tops Wilderness stretches across the horizon, creating a backdrop that transforms with each passing hour as shadows dance across ancient peaks and valleys.

WHITE RIVER

Nestled in a tranquil Rocky Mountain valley, Camp Hale Memorial Campground offers 15 intimate campsites where history and wilderness converge. This hidden gem welcomes tents, trailers, and RVs alike, providing a peaceful retreat enhanced by attentive campground hosts who ensure every visitor feels at home. Adventure seekers will appreciate the direct access to the legendary Colorado Trail, making this modest campground a perfect basecamp for mountain exploration.

FS 520, CREEDE, CO 81130, USA

Nestled along the pristine banks of the Rio Grande River, River Hill Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic Colorado wilderness experience. This beloved riverside retreat serves as your gateway to endless outdoor pursuits—cast a line into crystal-clear waters teeming with trout, explore winding trails that disappear into the backcountry, or launch your kayak for a peaceful paddle. Just steps from your campsite, trailheads lead directly into the magnificent Weminuche Wilderness, Colorado's largest designated wilderness area.

15571 County Road T5 La Jara, CO 81140

Tucked away in the heart of the Rio Grande National Forest, Conejos Campground serves as a hidden gem for those seeking a more intimate camping experience. While originally designed as an overflow area for the busier Mix Lake and Spectacle Lake campgrounds, this cozy loop has developed its own devoted following among anglers and nature enthusiasts. The campground's prime location offers direct access to the pristine waters of the Conejos River, where trout dance beneath the surface, and provides an easy gateway to the mirror-like waters of nearby Spectacle Lake.

806 W. Hallam

Tucked away in the shadow of Colorado's most photographed peaks, Silver Bar Campground offers an intimate escape into the wilderness with just four secluded tent sites. This hidden gem invites adventurers to disconnect from the modern world and immerse themselves in the raw beauty of the Rockies. Each walk-in site comes thoughtfully equipped with everything you need for a memorable stay: sturdy picnic tables for mountain-side meals, bear-proof lockers to safely store your provisions, and stone fire rings where stories come alive under starlit skies. The gentle murmur of Maroon Creek provides nature's soundtrack, while vault toilets ensure basic comfort without compromising the pristine environment.

San Juan NF, Colorado, USA

Perched at 7,643 feet in the Colorado high country, Target Tree Campground serves as your gateway to the Southwest's most treasured destinations. Just a scenic drive from the ancient cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde National Park and the vibrant mountain towns of Mancos and Durango, this historic campground takes its name from a fascinating chapter in Ute Indian history. Here, centuries-old Ponderosa pines still bear the distinctive scars from when Ute hunters honed their marksmanship skills, while these same majestic trees provided life-sustaining sap and bark that supplemented their traditional diet.

CAMP HALE MEMORIAL, WHITE RIVER, CO, USA

Nestled in the whispering pines near the vibrant mountain town of Vail, Gore Creek Campground beckons adventurers seeking the perfect blend of wilderness solitude and alpine accessibility. Here, the melodic rush of Gore Creek provides a natural soundtrack to your camping experience, while ancient trails wind their way into the pristine Eagles Nest Wilderness. Whether you're gearing up for a backcountry expedition or planning a leisurely ride along the renowned Vail Pass/Tenmile Canyon recreation trail, this mountain sanctuary serves as your ideal basecamp for Rocky Mountain adventures.

White River National Forest

Nestled in the heart of Colorado's high country, this charming mountain retreat has become a beloved basecamp for outdoor enthusiasts seeking authentic wilderness experiences. With both standard and overflow sites available throughout the season, adventurers can cast their lines into pristine waters, explore miles of scenic trails on foot or horseback, and immerse themselves in the natural splendor of the Rocky Mountains.